Klotho Protein as it Relates to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

The term ”chronic kidney disease” describes a group of conditions that cause a slow and progressive loss of kidney function, which can eventually lead to kidney failure. The kidneys are two vital organs that filter and help remove waste from the bloodstream. When the ability of the kidneys to filter wastes is compromised, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be required.

What Causes Kidney Disease?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention 30 million adults in the United States are estimated to have chronic kidney disease. Some of the main causes of chronic kidney disease include:

● Diabetes: Diabetes is a disorder that results in consistently high blood glucose levels. In order to help lower the amount of glucose in the bloodstream, the kidneys filter excess glucose from the blood, which is then excreted in the urine. Over time, diabetes can damage the kidneys.

● Hypertension: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels by causing them to become narrow, weaker, and to harden. When blood vessels in the kidneys become damaged, they are unable to properly filter the blood, and cannot bring sufficient blood to these organs. This causes the kidneys to fail.

● Klotho protein deficiency: Scientists have discovered that a specific variation of a gene called the klotho gene contributes to premature aging of certain organ systems, including kidney function. All genes have variations that contribute to the different characteristics of each individual, which makes us all unique. The klotho gene is responsible for the production of a protein called klotho protein. Klotho protein therapies may help slow the progression of or may possibly be used to prevent chronic kidney disease

What is Klotho Protein?

Klotho is a soluble protein that circulates in the bloodstream. It was named after the Greek goddess, Clotho, who was responsible for life and death. Similar to the goddess Clotho’s role, klotho protein is important in the aging process and determining one’s lifespan.

When the klotho gene has a variation that results in lower levels of klotho protein production, this causes malfunction in various organ systems, including the kidneys.

Klotho as a Possible Prevention Therapy

A recent study observed the relationship between the progression of chronic kidney disease and levels of klotho protein in the bloodstream. Throughout the study, scientists observed 2,496 adults, with an average age of 75, over the course of 10 years. Their results show that increased klotho protein levels correspond to a lower risk of CKD progression compared to lower klotho protein levels.

Additionally, since klotho protein circulates in the bloodstream, it can be detected in laboratory blood tests. This allows for the possibility to use klotho protein as a marker in order to identify people at risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

More Research Needs to Be Conducted

Researchers continue to investigate the role of this protein in the body, as well as how it may be able to prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease.

It’s all about health! I have academic background in drugs related Chemical Technology, as well as extensive professional experience in pharma and medical companies. My main area of interest is everyday life medicine. The goal of my articles is to give people informative answers to the questions that bother them, to dispel doubts and some common misbeliefs and also to inspire everyone to keep healthy lifestyle.